Skilled Worker going rates are occupation-specific salary benchmarks set by the UK Home Office that determine the minimum annual salary a sponsored worker must receive to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. These rates are tied directly to Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020 codes and are based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) earnings data.
To be eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship, your salary must meet both the general threshold and the going rate for your specific occupation code—whichever is higher. Understanding how these rates work is essential for employers sponsoring overseas workers and for applicants assessing whether a job offer meets Home Office requirements.
These changes represent a significant tightening compared to earlier rules. In 2024, the general threshold rose from £26,200 to £38,700, and occupation-specific going rates were raised from the 25th percentile to the 50th percentile of earnings, as noted in the Home Office review of salary requirements.
For example, if the going rate for a particular SOC code is £45,000 per year (based on 37.5 hours per week) and the job offer is for 30 hours per week, the minimum salary would be:
You're under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
You have a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) PhD level qualification that's relevant to your job (if you have a relevant PhD level qualification in any other subject your salary must be at least £37,500)
You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education
These discounts recognise that early-career professionals and researchers often earn less than the median for their occupation, while still bringing valuable skills to the UK labour market.
Example 2: Graphic Designer on the Immigration Salary List
Assume a graphic designer role (SOC code and going rate to be confirmed from the official table) is on the Immigration Salary List with a going rate of £35,000 per year.
Example 3: Recent Graduate in Engineering (Under 26)
A 25-year-old recent graduate is offered a civil engineering role with a going rate of £38,000 per year (verify the rate for the relevant SOC code in the going rates publication).
This is below £33,400, so the minimum salary required is £33,400.
Changes to Going Rates Over Time
Going rates are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the UK labour market and wage data. The most significant recent changes occurred in 2024 and 2025:
Employers and applicants should monitor GOV.UK for future updates to the going rates table and Immigration Salary List, as these can affect existing sponsorship arrangements and renewal applications.
For nurses, doctors, teachers, and other public-sector professionals, the going rate typically corresponds to a specific point on the national pay spine. Employers in these sectors should refer to the relevant pay scales and confirm that the offered salary meets both the scale requirement and the general Skilled Worker threshold.
This approach ensures that public-sector roles remain eligible for sponsorship even when pay bands are set by collective bargaining rather than market rates.
Key Points for Employers and Sponsors
Dual compliance: Every Certificate of Sponsorship must meet both the general salary threshold (£41,700 or £33,400 for ISL roles) and the occupation-specific going rate.
SOC code precision: The going rate depends entirely on the correct SOC 2020 code. Misclassification can lead to visa refusals or sponsor licence compliance action.
Annual updates: Going rates and the Immigration Salary List are updated periodically. Sponsors should check the official publications before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Discounts require evidence: Applicants claiming discounted rates (e.g., new entrant, PhD holder) must provide supporting documentation with their visa application.
Key Points for Applicants
Check your SOC code: Ask your prospective employer which SOC 2020 code will be used on your Certificate of Sponsorship and verify the corresponding going rate.
Understand your eligibility for discounts: If you are under 26, hold a relevant PhD, or are in postdoctoral research, you may qualify for a lower salary threshold, provided you still earn at least £33,400 (or 70% of the going rate, whichever is higher).
Pro-rata matters: If your job offer is part-time or involves non-standard hours, ensure the pro-rated salary still meets the minimum requirements.
ISL roles: Check whether your occupation is on the Immigration Salary List, which may lower the general threshold but does not reduce the going rate.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Relying on Out-of-Date Rates
Going rates and thresholds change. Always consult the latest GOV.UK publication before making a job offer or applying for a visa.
Incorrect Pro-Rata Calculations
Employers sometimes forget that the 37.5-hour baseline applies to going rates, not the contracted hours. A 40-hour-per-week role must pay proportionally more than the published going rate.
All salary and threshold information should be verified directly from these GOV.UK pages. Commercial immigration advisers and solicitors can provide guidance, but the Home Office publications remain the primary legal authority.
